Green hydrogen-based pathways and alternatives: Towards the renewable energy transition in South America's regions – Part A

In recent years, there has been an increased concern regarding the impacts of climate change caused by the increase in anthropogenic CO2 emissions, and the search for clean energy sources has grown. Hydrogen produced from renewable sources is an alternative to the demand for clean energy. Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay are countries located in South America with a considerable number of rivers and hydroelectric plants. This study shows the potential production of hydrogen in these countries using the excess energy from hydroelectric plants. While Argentina has a potential generation of 3.44E+10 Kg.year−1 of H2, Paraguay and Uruguay presented, respectively, 5.32E+10 Kg.year−1 and 2.19E+10 Kg.year−1. Taking into account the economic viability analysis, H production and storage had a profit of 0.2253 US$.m−3 for Paraguay, 0.2249 US$.m−3 for Uruguay and a cost of 0.2263 US$.m−3 in Argentina. The results of this research contribute to the renewable, sustainable energy transition and in accordance with the precepts of the circular economy for the search for new sources of energy. This idea needs to be encouraged around the world, including developing countries.